Chapter 5: AE Is Actually Pearl
When Pearl arrived backstage, someone immediately approached her. “Hello, Master AE.”
Pearl had always kept a low profile since founding AE. No one knew whether AE was a man or a woman, let alone their real name. The staff could only address her by the brand name.
“Hello.” Despite her aristocratic background, Pearl had been well–mannered since childhood. Even when speaking to staff, she remained polite and courteous.
The fact that AE was a young, stunning beauty already shocked the staff. But what surprised them even more was her gracious demeanor. It took a moment for them to regain their composure before handing her a folder. “These are the finalist entries for this competition. The contestants this year are significantly stronger than in previous years.”
Pearl casually flipped through the pages. However, when she reached a particular design, her gaze froze.
This drawing–wasn’t it hers?
She had thought it was lost, but now it had been submitted to the competition by someone else!
Inside the awards hall.
Olivia sat in the audience, scanning the judges‘ nameplates over and over.
Pearl’s name wasn’t there!
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So that woman had been lying to her all along!
The more Olivia thought about it, the angrier she became. She was already coming up with different ways to make her pay.
“Look! AE’s designer is here too!” Charlotte nudged her excitedly.
The entire hall was already in an uproar.
AE’s designer was a legend—the only one whose every creation had become a best–seller. That alone was enough to drive people crazy. Not to mention, their identity had always been shrouded in mystery.
Now, everyone was about to witness the true face of this legendary master. Their excitement far outshone the competition itself as they eagerly awaited the reveal.
Olivia wanted to see them too.
She had heard that AE’s designer wasn’t just here to judge but also to recruit new talent.
If she could work alongside them… every socialite in town would flock to her!
Even though Olivia was the daughter of the Rhodes family, she was born to Aiden and his mistress.
In high society, being an illegitimate child still carried a stigma.
She lacked the talent of her older brother, Caleb, and was often overlooked because of it.
But Olivia had complete confidence in her design. Plus, she was wearing a AE outfit today. Surely, the designer would
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take special notice of her.
“And now, let’s welcome our esteemed judges to the stage!” the host announced enthusiastically.
Music played, and one by one, the judges stepped out as the host introduced their credentials and achievements.
Finally, the host saved the best for last. “Let’s welcome- Master AE.”
Olivia’s eyes locked onto the stage.
Backstage, a single foot stepped forward. Then, a slender, graceful figure emerged, followed by a wide–brimmed hat. A delicate black veil cascaded from the brim, concealing the person’s face in shadows.
The final judge to appear was Pearl–AE’s designer and founder.
Though the audience couldn’t see her face, she could see them perfectly.
Her gaze landed on Olivia, who had deliberately flaunted her AE outfit with a smug expression. The sight amused Pearl to no end.
If Olivia knew that AE was actually the same Pearl she had always looked down on and bullied–would she still look so pleased with herself?
But Olivia misread Pearl’s smile.
To her, it was a sign that her outfit had successfully caught the designer’s attention that she had impressed them.
Olivia gave herself a mental pat on the back. Smart move.
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The judging began.
On the massive screen, designs were displayed in random order. Judges scored each one live, offering critiques.
For the early entries, Pearl provided fair and insightful evaluations. Soon, it was Olivia’s turn.
“Judge One: 9.5. Judge Two: 9.7. Judge Three: 9.9…”
The scores were unanimous–Olivia’s design was the highest–rated entry of the night.
Overjoyed, Olivia beamed. This was it–her moment of fame had arrived!
“Judge Eight: 3.8.”
The hall fell into stunned silence.
“Must be a mistake! You mean 9.8, right?” someone blurted
out.
Such an exceptional design–there was no way it deserved a low score.
The host double–checked the scorecard, then hesitantly turned to Pearl. “Master AE, is this correct…?”
Pearl slowly leaned down, bringing her lips close to the microphone.
Then, she spoke her first words of the night.
“Yes. 3.8.”
< Chapter 6: The First Act…
